Kathy Kennedy. Contributed photo.
State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-119) supported a proposal March 18 in the Environment Committee which looks to find a solution to the recycling and disposal of radioactive smoke detectors.
The legislation, SB 1001, An Act Concerning the Recycling and Disposal of Smoke Detectors, would have the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection submit a report to include best practices for residents of Connecticut to dispose of or recycle residential some detectors; any hazardous waste concerns that arise from the disposal or recycling of residential smoke detectors; achieved or estimated current state rates for the proper disposal or recycling of residential smoke detectors; the efficacy of extended producer responsibility programs to yield higher rates of proper disposal or recycling of residential smoke detectors; and legislative recommendations concerning the disposal or recycling of residential smoke detectors.
This bill will consider development of an extended producer responsibility, or EPR, program for
smoke detectors. Ionized smoke detectors contain a small amount of americium 241, a radioactive isotope. When in use, these detectors are perfectly safe, as the radioactive material is shielded by a metal chamber inside the device. If dismantled, however, the radioactive material can become exposed.
“There is currently no good way to recycle or dispose of smoke detectors in Connecticut. They should not be put in the trash, and are not taken at hazardous waste collection days. An EPR for smoke detectors would help address this problem,” said Kennedy, who was the first civilian to obtain her certification as a fire marshal/fire inspector in Connecticut.
An assessment and report about smoke detector recycling and disposal options will provide information for the evaluation of future recycling options, including implementation of an extended producer responsibility program for residential smoke detectors.